Oil changes are a routine maintenance task you can do yourself with basic tools and about 30 minutes

Changing your oil means draining the old, dirty oil from your engine and replacing it with fresh oil. This keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly. Most vehicles need an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your car's age and the type of oil you use — check your owner's manual for the exact interval.

You will need an oil drain pan, a wrench to fit your drain plug, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench, fresh oil in the correct grade for your vehicle, and jack stands if you need to lift the car. Many people do this in a driveway or garage, though some prefer to have a shop handle it.

Key Takeaways

  • Warm up your engine for a few minutes before draining so the oil flows more easily, but let it cool enough that you can touch the engine safely.
  • The drain plug is located underneath the engine and holds old oil — you unscrew it by hand or with a wrench and let the oil drain into a pan below.
  • The oil filter screws onto the engine and must be replaced with a new one of the same size and type each time you change the oil.
  • After filling with new oil, start the engine and let it run for a minute, then check the level with the dipstick to make sure you added the right amount.
  • Old oil must be disposed of properly at a recycling center or auto parts store — never pour it down a drain or into the ground.

Locate the drain plug and oil filter on your engine

The drain plug is a bolt on the underside of your engine, usually near the front. Consult your owner's manual or search online for your specific vehicle model to find its exact location. You may need to raise the car slightly with a jack and secure it on jack stands to reach the plug comfortably — never work under a car supported only by a jack.

The oil filter is a cylindrical canister screwed directly onto the engine, typically on the side or top. It is usually white, black, or blue and about the size of a soda can. Once you locate both, you are ready to begin.

Drain the old oil from the engine

Start your engine and let it run for two to three minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely. Turn off the engine and wait five minutes so it cools enough to touch safely — hot oil can cause burns.

Place your oil drain pan underneath the drain plug. Using a wrench that fits the plug snugly, turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and set it aside. Oil will flow out quickly, so keep the pan positioned directly below. Let the oil drain for at least five minutes, then check that the flow has slowed to a drip before moving on.

Replace the oil filter

Position your oil drain pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil. Using an oil filter wrench, grip the filter near its base and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once loose, unscrew it by hand and set it aside — expect a small amount of oil to spill.

Before installing the new filter, wipe the rubber gasket (the seal area) on the engine with a clean cloth or paper towel. Apply a thin layer of new oil around the rubber gasket of the new filter by hand — this helps create a proper seal. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.

Reinstall the drain plug and refill with new oil

Wipe the drain plug clean with a cloth and screw it back into the engine by hand. Once it is snug, use your wrench to tighten it firmly — not as hard as you can, but enough that it will not leak. Over-tightening can strip the threads and cause problems later.

Locate the oil filler cap on top of your engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew and remove it. Place a funnel in the opening and pour in the amount of new oil specified in your owner's manual. Most vehicles take between four and six quarts. Pour slowly and check the level as you go to avoid overfilling.

Check the oil level and run the engine

Screw the oil filler cap back on. Start the engine and let it run for about one minute. You will see the oil pressure light on your dashboard go out once the new oil circulates through the engine. Turn off the engine and wait two minutes for the oil to settle.

Pull out the dipstick (a long metal rod with markings on it), wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again. The oil should reach the "full" mark on the stick. If it is low, add a small amount more and recheck. If you overfilled, you will need to drain a little out through the drain plug.

Dispose of old oil properly

Old oil cannot go in the trash or down a drain — it is toxic to the environment and illegal to dispose of that way. Pour your used oil into a sealed container or the drain pan you used. Most auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts accept used oil for free, even if you did not buy anything from them.

Many cities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off oil at no cost. Call your local waste management department or search online for "used oil recycling near me" to find a location. Some quick-lube shops will also take your old oil if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil should I use?

Check your owner's manual for the correct oil grade — it will say something like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The numbers refer to how the oil flows at different temperatures. Using the wrong grade can affect engine performance and fuel economy. If you cannot find your manual, search online for your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "oil type."

Can I change the oil if the engine is completely cold?

Cold oil drains slowly and incompletely, so you will leave more old oil in the engine. Warming it first makes a real difference. Run the engine for a few minutes, then wait five minutes before draining — this gives you the best of both: warm, flowing oil and a cool enough engine to work safely.

What happens if I overfill the oil?

Too much oil can damage the engine by creating excess pressure and causing seals to leak. If you overfill, drain the extra out through the drain plug into a container, or use a turkey baster to remove oil from the filler hole. Check the level again with the dipstick to confirm it is at the full mark.

How often should I check my oil between changes?

Check the level once a month or before long trips. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is consistently low, you may have a leak and should have a mechanic inspect it.

Do I need to replace the oil drain plug every time?

Most drain plugs can be reused many times. However, if the plug is damaged, stripped, or leaking, replace it with a new one of the same size. Some vehicles use crush washers under the plug that should be replaced each time — check your manual to see if yours does.